About the Pacific Seafarers' Net

The Pacific Seafarers' Net represents a unique collaboration between amateur radio operators and the cruising sailing community. Founded on the principles of service, safety, and camaraderie, we've been supporting ocean voyagers for over two decades through dedicated volunteer efforts and reliable communication services.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple but vital: to provide reliable amateur radio communication services to vessels crossing the world's oceans, with a particular focus on the Pacific region. We achieve this through daily HF radio nets that offer position reporting, weather information relay, message handling, and emergency communication capabilities for vessels beyond the reach of standard marine VHF radio.

By maintaining consistent operations 365 days per year, we ensure that cruising sailors always have a reliable communication lifeline, regardless of their location or the date on the calendar. This consistency is crucial for vessels on multi-week ocean passages where communication options are limited.

History and Evolution

The Pacific Seafarers' Net evolved from the recognition that amateur radio serves a critical role in maritime safety and communication. As more recreational sailors began undertaking ambitious ocean crossings, the need for organized communication nets became apparent. Early maritime mobile nets demonstrated the value of coordinated HF radio operations, and the PacSeaNet built upon these foundations.

Over the years, we've refined our operating procedures, expanded our volunteer operator base, and adapted to changing technology and propagation conditions. While satellite communication has become more accessible, HF amateur radio remains a reliable, cost-effective, and community-oriented communication method for offshore cruisers.

Operating Philosophy

The PacSeaNet operates according to several core principles:

• Reliability: Daily operations every single day of the year
• Professionalism: Trained operators following established procedures
• Service: Volunteer-driven commitment to the cruising community
• Safety: Priority handling of emergency and urgent traffic
• Community: Fostering connections among ocean voyagers worldwide
• Accessibility: Welcoming all licensed amateur radio operators

According to the Federal Communications Commission's maritime services division, amateur radio continues to play an important complementary role to commercial maritime communication systems, particularly for recreational vessels.

Who We Serve

Our primary focus is supporting cruising sailboats and yachts on extended ocean voyages. This includes:

• Circumnavigating vessels on multi-year cruises
• Seasonal cruisers following trade wind routes
• Rally participants crossing ocean passages in company
• Individual cruisers exploring remote Pacific destinations
• Vessels repositioning between distant ports
• First-time ocean crossers seeking experienced guidance

While our name references the Pacific, we welcome check-ins from vessels in all ocean basins. Many cruisers maintain their participation with the PacSeaNet throughout their entire circumnavigation, regardless of which ocean they're currently crossing.

Our Volunteer Team

The Pacific Seafarers' Net operates entirely through volunteer efforts. Our team includes experienced amateur radio operators with diverse backgrounds—some are former cruisers themselves, others are dedicated ham radio enthusiasts who support the maritime community, and many combine both interests.

Volunteers serve in various roles including net control operators who manage daily net operations, scribes who maintain detailed logs and position reports, relay operators who assist with difficult propagation conditions, and administrative personnel who coordinate schedules and maintain records.

Every volunteer brings unique skills and dedication to the mission of supporting ocean voyagers. If you're interested in joining our team, we welcome inquiries from qualified amateur radio operators with appropriate licenses and equipment.

Looking Forward

As maritime communication technology continues to evolve, the Pacific Seafarers' Net remains committed to providing reliable amateur radio services to the cruising community. We continually evaluate and improve our operating procedures, embrace new tools that enhance our capabilities, and maintain the strong volunteer commitment that has been our foundation since inception.

Whether you're a maritime mobile preparing for your first ocean crossing or an experienced cruiser who has relied on the net for years, we remain dedicated to serving your communication needs and fostering the global community of ocean voyagers.